Teenagers killed in Essex car crash named locally
Two teenagers, who died after the car they were passengers in crashed while being pursued by police, have been named locally.
Liam Phillips and Reigan Knight were were in maroon Ford Escort that hit a silver BMW before crashing into a wall in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex at around 1am yesterday (27 December).
Reigan died at the scene. Liam was rushed to Southend Hospital in a critical condition but died this morning.
Police refused to confirm whether the police car's lights or sirens were on.
Friends of the pair took to social media to pay tribute to them.
Two other teenagers in the car, including the 16-year-old alleged driver, suffered minor injuries in the crash.
The driver of the silver BMW was unhurt.
A 16-year-old from Great Wakering, Essex was has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death by driving without a driving licence and causing death by driving without insurance.
He appeared at Chelmsford Youth Court today.
The second boy, a 17-year-old from Shoebury, Essex was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs and has been released on bail until 14 January.
The crash has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which has launched an independent investigation.
Investigators have yet to determine the circumstances of the interaction between the police car and the Ford and whether it meets the precise criteria of a pursuit.